When I opened my eyes, everything was massive. I couldn't move, couldn't speak, and—most shockingly—I was being cradled like a... baby?
What the hell? Why am I so tiny?!
The ceiling was gold-painted, the walls embroidered with magical runes, and the room smelled like flowers and wealth. Several women in elegant dresses surrounded me, but the one holding me stood out—long violet hair, silver eyes, and a warm yet mischievous smile.
"His name will be... Santo," she whispered.
Santo? No, my name's Ryu! Wait... is this a second life?
The man beside her looked like a king from fantasy novels—broad-shouldered, golden-eyed, with a crown resting lazily over messy dark hair. He looked powerful, the kind of man who never took no for an answer.
"This is our third son," he said. "Yuruki, you've done well."
So, she's my mom... and he's... the king?
Over time, I learned the truth: my name was now Santo Zathekyu, third son of King Zathekyu, ruler of the great magical kingdom of Xystoria. I wasn't just anyone—I was a prince.
And the king? He had seven wives, each representing a powerful noble house, and each had exactly one child. Meaning, I had six royal siblings:
Haro (15) from Lady Haren. A walking tank who can summon rock golems.
Jelen (14) from Lady Caster. A witch with terrifying dark magic.
Tenkura (12) from Lady Tamo. Fast as lightning.
Aqua (10) from Lady Frena. A water manipulator and the "pretty boy" of the kingdom.
Osoka (8) from Lady Oasis. An elven forest whisperer and a total nerd.
Kamao (7) from Lady Meeru. A clingy little fairy-gifted girl who calls me "Big Bro" twenty times a day.
As for me? I'm Santo, the son of Lady Yuruki. I'm twelve now, and everyone says I'm clever, even a genius... but I still haven't unlocked any special abilities.
The only thing I've mastered? Pretending like I belong here. Truth is, I'm still just Ryu—a womanizer from Earth who once hated commitment.
But in this world?
"Royal bloodline males must take many wives," Father once said with pride. "That is our duty... and your destiny."
I almost gagged. Many wives? Again? Haven't I suffered enough?!
I swore to myself—I wouldn't fall in love, wouldn't marry. Not in this world, not again.
That is, until she entered my life.
The flame-haired girl from the neighboring kingdom.
Princess Flare Flazlet of the Flamora Kingdom.
And the moment I saw her… something inside me flickered.
---
[To Be Continued]